Tour of Ayutthaya Temples: A 2-Day Cultural Itinerary

Crumbled stupas, giant Buddha statues, and stone faces in tree roots — Ayutthaya might be ancient, but it delivers a profound experience, even if you have just two days to spare.

As a Thai person who’s visited several times, I’ve crafted a 2-day itinerary for first-time visitors who have limited time, but are willing to go beyond a day trip for this UNESCO heritage city. It covers the most iconic Ayutthaya temples, including Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat.

Let me walk you through the exact temples to visit, when to go, what to skip, and where to eat on the two days you have — so you don’t waste a second!

Note: I originally published this post in April of 2022. I’ve recently updated it to include more relevant and better information for you.

The Ancient Temples of Ayutthaya

A UNESCO World Heritage and one of the country’s historic capital cities, Ayutthaya has been and is still considered a must-visit when in Thailand.

Thanks to its proximity to Bangkok, Ayutthaya has become the top day trip destination for most visitors. But hey, none of those day tour folks will leave as satisfied as you. Good choice on keeping 2 days for this!

What Do I Need to Visit Thailand?

As of May 2025, foreigners visiting Thailand need to fill out a Digital Arrival Card no more than 3 days before passing through Thai immigration.

• Learn a few basic phrases, or even just a few words, in Thai. They can save you lots of trouble when you’re there.
• Read up on the dos and don’ts of Thai culture and have the most important one memorized so you don’t offend anyone.
• Have cash on you! The smaller the notes, the better. The local system has transitioned fully into electronic payments, so most vendors will have limited change.

Consider grabbing my Travel E-Checklist to help you get ready, or browse for all the tips and guides I have available in my Thailand Cultural Travel Hub.

What Should I Pack for Thailand?

• Light fabric, but sleeved, clothing.
• Sunscreen: Trust me, you’ll need it, especially when walking around these temples in Ayutthaya. The sun is stronger there for some reason.
• Water bottle: It is HOT there. Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste while you’re at it!
• Get yourself a bottle of Soffel Insect Repellent from a minimart. Do NOT pack your own because dear lord… Thai mosquitoes don’t seem to recognize foreign-brand repellents.

An Introduction to Ayutthaya

Succeeding the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai, Ayutthaya stood as the second historic capital of Thailand and a major Southeast Asian power for over 400 years from 1351 to 1767. The economy was booming, with traders coming in from China, Japan, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and France.

During its days, the city fell twice to Burmese power. Once in the 16th century, when it recovered, and again permanently in 1767.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ayutthaya Historical Park consists of 16 historical sites. Eleven of those sites are temples.

Most temples are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and require an admission fee of 50 baht (US$2). You also have the option to buy the Historical Park Pass for 220 baht (US$6) and visit most of the sites free of charge.

What Food Is Ayutthaya Famous For?

Ayutthaya is famous for its long history, of course. Four hundred and sixteen years of it, to be exact. But in terms of food, these are what you should never leave the city without trying.

Boat Noodles

Traditionally sold in boats, these tiny bowls of noodles were made with as little soup as possible to avoid spilling when the merchant would hand them over to customers from the boat.

The unusually rich taste was intended to make up for the lack of soup itself.

Roti Sai Mai

Thai-style cotton candy wrapped in sweet, thin sheets of roti. You will probably find some in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. But Ayutthaya is where these rolls of magic are at their best!

Giant River Prawns

These lobster-type and lobster-sized freshwater prawns are common in this area of the country. So when you step into an Ayutthayan restaurant for some of this delicacy, rest assured, they’ll be freshly caught.

The best way to enjoy them is grilled with Thai spicy seafood dip.

What to Expect in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a city, but a tiny one compared to Bangkok, and therefore a much better slow travel option.

Most of the Historical Park sites are inside a small island that takes less than 10 minutes to drive across. Some of the temples are off the island but are still within a 5 to 10-minute drive.

The vibe is semi-rural. Nicer locals, slower pace. You’ll be completely okay biking around the city with ease. In fact, that is the best way to see the Ayutthaya temples.

And remember, it gets HOT. Even hotter than Bangkok. So, remember to pace yourself well as you follow this itinerary.

How to Get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

I recommend leaving Bangkok by 7 AM. That way, you’ll get most of the first day to explore.

The best way to get there is in an air-conditioned minivan (US$3-4 per person). One leaves from Mo Chit every half an hour or so.

Below is, in my opinion, the best way to find and book a van from Bangkok. They provide you with very clear, concise instructions after booking.

The trip takes a little over an hour. Depending on traffic, it could take about an hour and 40 minutes. Sit back, relax, and drink lots of water because the day is about to get very outdoorsy.

Settling in at Ayutthaya

The van drop-off is right in the bustling center of Ayutthaya. Grab yourself a frog-headed tuk-tuk (welcome to Ayutthaya!) and head over to your hotel to drop your luggage off, if any.

However, I think you’re more than okay with just a backpack for 2 days.

At this point, you have two options. I highly recommend contacting the hotel when you book to see if they rent out bikes to guests.

If they do, book one. Your life would be amazing because you can just return it at the end of the day.

Grab your Bike!

But if your hotel doesn’t rent out bikes, drop your bags off and get back on the tuk-tuk. Tour With Thai comes highly recommended for bike rentals (Contact them in advance to book).

A bike should cost you no more than 70 baht a day (About US$2).

Tour With Thai: 10/29ง. Soi Naresuan 2, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya 13000

Let the tour of Ayutthaya temples begin!

Day 1: Biking Around The Ayutthaya Island

Believe it or not, but the most central district of Ayutthaya is an island! While there are many temples worth seeing all over the city, the most important ones are in the city center and are enveloped by canals.

This is where we’ll be on the first day of our schedule.

Wat Mahathat

Famous for the Buddha’s head entwined in a tree, it is also one of the oldest temples in Ayutthaya, built sometime in the 14th century. It was considered one of the most important temples of the kingdom.

You’ll need about 30-45 minutes to explore every corner of this temple.

Address: Wat Mahathat, Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Ratchaburana

Easily one of my favorite ancient temples here, the main Prang (Khmer-style stupa) has been intact since 1424. It is also the only one you’re allowed to climb up to, as far as I know.

There is a little nook at the top of the stairs where many valuables were found during the past century.

There’s no parking lot at this temple, so leave your bike at Wat Mahathat and simply walk a block over!

I’d give Wat Ratchaburana a little bit more time, since you can go up and explore the Prang as well. One hour should be enough.

Address: Chikun Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya 13000

Lunch at Baan U Thong

Grab your bike from Wat Mahathat and head south (right) on Chikun Rd until you reach the T-intersection with U-Thong Rd.

Here, you should be face-to-face with your recommended lunch spot, Baan U Thong restaurant. Their grilled river prawns are to die for.

Address: 39/11 Moo 1, U-Thong Rd, Pratuchai District, Ayutthaya 13000

Bike Parking for the Afternoon

Biking from Baan U Thong, you’ll see a bike parking area on your right-hand side before reaching the temple complex. See the map below for reference.

Wat Phra Ram and its Park

After you’ve parked your bike, walk back south along the street and take an afternoon stroll around Wat Phra Ram. This temple is unique because the locals consider it more of a recreational area than an ancient temple.

The grounds are not as big as the other temples, but they’re packed full of trees and little ponds. Consider this an afternoon break where you wait for the sun to chill out.

Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit

After you’re satisfied exploring Phra Ram Park, head back out to the street and walk north (right) until you reach a courtyard of orange bricks. You’ll find yourself right in front of Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit.

This working Buddhist sanctuary is right next door to Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the same courtyard. And since you’re passing it anyway, why not head in and check out the giant Buddha statue inside?

Admission is free, so you won’t need to show your pass. Half an hour is more than enough, I would say.

The Trip Highlight: Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet stands inside the ancient palace grounds and was the royal chapel of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, just like Wat Phra Kaew is to Bangkok. In fact, Wat Phra Kaew was modeled after it.

The temple is famous for the 3 identical concrete stupas standing tall and elegant in the center of the grounds. If you look at the famous golden stupa of Wat Phra Kaew, you will see the resemblance between that one and these 3 originals.

One thing I love about this temple is that no matter how crowded it gets, the grounds are big enough and you will likely find some corner to yourself. But since you’ll be going towards the end of the day, the crowd should already start to disperse.

And that should wrap up your first day with the Ayutthaya temples!

Address: Pratu Chai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya 13000

Michelin-Guide Roti Sai Mai for Snacks

After Wat Phra Si Sanphet, grab your bike and head straight south on that street until you reach the T-intersection with U-Thong Road. Turn right onto U-Thong Road and be prepared to stop right away.

It’s snack time, coming up on your left-hand side!

Abeedeen-Pranom Sangaroon is not just your average Roti Sai Mai vendor. It’s in the Michelin Guide. Hello, Real Deal! Be prepared to stand in line for a bit here. It’s a takeaway shop, so feel free to buy yourself a set or two of this sweet magic for later.

Dinner by the Chao Phraya River

For dinner, I recommend Sala Ayutthaya, another Sala Hotel, which is my favorite boutique brand. Enjoy a selection of fusion dishes and watch Wat Putthaisawan light up across the river.

And before you ask, yes, this is the same Chao Phraya River that flows south through Bangkok!

Day 2: The Outer Ring Temples

Your second day starts bright and early! At 7:45 am, catch a frog-headed tuk-tuk out of the island. We will be exploring some of the most prominent temples on the outer ring of the city.

Your hotel concierge should be able and more than happy to help you call a tuk-tuk over if there’s not one of them around.

Since you’ll very likely be paying for 5 hours of their time, which is 1,250 in total, I’d recommend going with the full-day rate, which is 1,000 THB.

They’re yours for the day, no matter how you may want to change up your plans.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

See this temple at night, or see it first thing in the morning!

Although the tourist entrance is from the side, the front of the temple faces the river to the east (people traveled by boat in that era). The calm morning sun shines directly onto its main Prang, and it’s a sight to behold.

Consider taking your experience a step further by renting a traditional dress to wear! There are Thai traditional dress rental shops all along the street across from the visitor entrance.

Trade your action outfit up for some Sbai and gold belts and take some awesome pictures in the costume around the temple.

Thanks to a very popular period Thai drama from a few years ago that mentioned Wat Chaiwatthanaram, I promise you won’t be the only one doing this.

An hour should be enough to see everything, but add on one more if you need to get dolled up!

Address: 31 1 ตำบล บ้านป้อม Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Phutthaisawan

Having had dinner at Sala Ayutthaya the night before, you’re probably already impressed with this temple and its gigantic, brilliant white main Prang, seeing it from across the river.

But that’s not all! Wat Phutthaisawan is home to another giant reclining Buddha. Not as big as the one in Wat Pho of Bangkok, but still impressive nonetheless.

Address: 15, 13000 Unnamed Road, Samphao Lom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Wat Yai Chaimongkhon

The word Yai means “big” in Thai… and they’re not kidding. The gigantic main stupa of this temple is visible from most parts of the city.

Constructed in 1357, it is one of the oldest temples of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Spend half an hour or so strolling the grounds and climbing up the stupa stairs for photographic proof of how big the stupa is.

Address: 40 หลวงพ่อขาว ซ. 3 Phai Ling, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Boat Noodles for Lunch

Before leaving the temple parking lot, look to your right and you’ll find our lunch spot, Wat Yai Boat Noodles.

As I’ve mentioned, the servings are traditionally very small. So don’t feel guilty about having to have 3-4 bowls (or more) of this delicacy.

Address: 39, 7, Phai Ling, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000

Return to Bangkok

Have your tuk-tuk drop you off at the same place you got off the van the day before. Address below.

Ayutthaya Win Van Stop: Naresuan Rd, Hua Ro, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Ayutthaya 13000

Guided Tour Option

Do you prefer to sightsee with a guide for at least one of the two days? Not a problem! I highly recommend the tour below. This way, you’ll get real-time narration of the temples as you visit!

2 Days in Ayutthaya: Itinerary Map

📌 Save this pinned map to your phone for easier navigation when you go. You can toggle the filters to find places planned for each day, too.

Final Thoughts

And that is it for your 2-day tour of Ayutthaya temples!

Ayutthaya is very easy to get to from Bangkok, so don’t worry about religiously staying on schedule with this itinerary. Prioritize pacing yourself first because that heat isn’t here to play.

As long as you block out a day or two on your Thailand itinerary, you’ll have plenty of time to see the most important sights here.

Got more weekends to spare around Bangkok? Kanchanaburi is another great option nearby!

Find a Place to Stay in Ayutthaya

Haven’t looked for accommodations for your one night in Ayutthaya? I’ve got you! If you prefer a more rustic option, Baan Tye Wang Guesthouse is my absolute favorite.

For a luxury option, Sala Ayutthaya scores nicely with its cultural touches and riverside views.

Visiting Ayutthaya FAQs

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